How to Sort Your Waste Correctly in 2024

Sorting your waste can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a system that works for you and your family. The best recycling habits develop gradually with consistent effort, and they help reduce your carbon footprint.

So, why bother sorting your waste?

Sorting makes it more likely that materials will be recycled into new products, giving them a longer life. For instance, if you collect all your paper in one bin and bundle it up before recycling, it saves time and energy for the recycling facility. Small actions, like removing plastic labels from glass bottles, only take a few seconds but can significantly improve the chances that those bottles will be properly recycled.

Donate

Donating is a fantastic way to help both your community and yourself! By clearing out items that are still in good condition, you can tidy up your space and stay organized. It’s important to check that your donations are high-quality, so it’s best to donate things before they get buried in your attic or basement.

Here are a few simple rules to follow when deciding what to donate:

• If it doesn’t hold any sentimental value
• If you haven’t used it or touched it in over a year
• If your clothes are now two sizes bigger or smaller

Compost

Composting is a simple way to cut down on your carbon footprint, especially since a third of the world’s food production ends up as waste. While commercial compost bins can be pricey, making your own is both easy and affordable. If you live in an apartment and don’t have a backyard, a countertop composter might be the perfect solution for you.

You can build DIY compost bins from all sorts of things you might already have, like old wood, storage containers, milk crates, trash bins, pallets, or even buckets! There are many creative ways to compost right in your backyard using stuff you probably have lying around. Just make sure to follow these tips for the best results.

Composting Tips

Here are a few tips to keep your compost bin in top shape:

• Use a lid to keep the compost moist and keep pests out.
• Add water if it looks dry.
• Consider adding worms—they help break down the materials faster.
• Make sure there’s good airflow to speed up the composting process.
• If you can, keep the bin outside.

Paper

Yes, you can add paper to your compost, but if your composter is small and doesn’t have room for all your paper, it’s best to sort it out first. Setting up a separate recycling bin just for paper is a great way to make sure it gets recycled properly. Just remember to keep the paper clean and grease-free—so no pizza boxes! However, you can still compost the clean parts of pizza boxes if you break them down.

Why have a separate paper recycling bin?

Bundling your paper and cardboard is a great way to help the environment and make recycling easier. You don’t need to organize it perfectly, but tying your used paper and cardboard into neat bundles with twine increases the chances they’ll get recycled. Check out the list below for what most recycling programs accept, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with your local recycling guidelines to be sure!

Accepted Paper Products

Here’s what you can usually recycle:

• Cardboard
• Brown paper
• Printer paper
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Cereal boxes

But watch out for some paper products that are coated with plastic, aluminum, or other materials—they can’t be recycled. So, make sure to check before tossing them in!

In Store Drop Off

When it comes to in-store drop-off plastics, things can get a bit confusing because some items might not have a recycling symbol but are still recyclable. In-store drop-off programs usually accept film plastics labeled #2 or #4.

Consider getting a separate recycling bin just for these plastics, and make sure all items are clean and dry before dropping them off. Most local stores have some sort of drop-off program for film plastics, so check out what’s available in your area. Using these programs is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and help the environment.

Also Read: Top 2024 Innovations in Biodegradable Plastics

Before Recycling

Here’s how to handle film plastics for recycling:

• Empty the plastic.
• Clean it with soap and water.
• Let it air dry.
• Add it to your in-store drop-off recycling bin.

That’s it! Just follow these steps, and you’re all set to recycle properly.

Terracycle Zero Waste Box Program

If you have items that can’t be recycled through regular programs or donated, you might want to look into getting a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box. It’s perfect for hard-to-recycle products and materials.

What is a Zero Waste Box?

When you send a box of recyclables to TerraCycle, here’s what happens:

First, they weigh the box. Then, they sort and clean the items. Organics go to composting, metals get melted down and reshaped, and plastics are shredded and turned into pellets. These materials are then used to make new products like outdoor decking, storage containers, construction tubes, floor tiles, and even playground surfaces.

Items Terracycle Recycles

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can sort and recycle:

• Alkaline Batteries: Don’t toss these in the trash. Find a recycling program for them.
• Athletic Gear: Old sports equipment can be recycled or donated.
• Art Supplies: Check if your local recycling program accepts things like paint and brushes.
• Baby Gear: From strollers to toys, many baby items can be recycled or donated.
• Bathroom Items: Separate recyclables like shampoo bottles and toilet paper rolls.
• Bedroom Items: Sort out recyclables like cardboard from packaging or old magazines.

Sorting these items helps keep your recycling game strong!

Typical Recycling

What is Precycling?

Precycling is all about making smart choices to help the planet from the start. When you shop, try to find products with packaging that has a recycling symbol. This means it can be recycled. If you can, go for items with no packaging or bring your own reusable bags and containers. Plastic packaging should be your last choice, as it’s the hardest to recycle. Here’s a list of packaging types ranked by their impact on the environment to help you make better decisions.

Recycling Product Packaging

Here’s a quick guide to eco-friendly packaging choices:

• Bring your own bags and mason jars: Use reusable bags and jars to cut down on waste.
• Paper: This is compostable, so it’s a good option for reducing trash.
• Metal: Recyclable and durable.
• Glass: Reusable and recyclable.
• Plastic: Use it sparingly and check if it’s recyclable.
• Film Plastic: This is the least eco-friendly and often not recyclable, so try to avoid it when you can.

Glass

Glass is a fantastic choice because it can be recycled over and over again—much better than plastic! On the other hand, ceramics can be a bit tricky. Many are coated with harmful chemicals, and chipped or cracked ceramic dishware could expose you to lead.

Once glass is broken, it can’t be recycled anymore, as it can be dangerous for the recycling plant workers. If you put broken glass in your recycling bin, it could end up ruining the whole load and sending it straight to the landfill. So, it’s best to avoid recycling broken glass and dispose of it properly.

How to recycle broken glass at home?

Upcycling Tip: If you have broken glass, you can turn it into a useful material by smashing it with a hammer inside a paper bag until it turns into fine dust. This dust can then be mixed into commercial dry concrete. Just remember to wear eye protection and a face mask to stay safe while you work on this project!

Metal

Metal packaging is a smart choice because it’s valuable and easy to recycle. Recycling systems often use magnets to sort metal, which makes the process pretty straightforward. Plus, most metals keep their properties even after recycling. You can collect small metal scraps in a large jar and take them to a scrap yard when the jar is full. This way, you can be sure the metal will be sorted and recycled properly.

Plastics

Plastics with a recycling symbol can usually be recycled, but it depends on where you live. Check what types of plastics your local recycling center accepts. Make sure to clean your plastics well and remove any labels before putting them in your recycling bin. Also, check the recycling instructions on the packaging because some plastic lids might not be recyclable.

Before Recycling

Here’s a simple guide to recycling:

1. Empty Plastic, Glass, & Metal
2. Clean with soap and water
3. Air dry
4. Remove labels
5. Add to your recycling bin

Following these steps helps make sure your recyclables are properly processed into new products. Remember, plastics can’t be recycled forever, and dirty plastics often end up in the trash because they get contaminated.

If you’re new to recycling but want to get more involved, start with small steps. For a few weeks, try sorting your paper and in-store drop-off recyclables into paper bags. If it works for you, invest in sturdy recycling bins for these materials. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to composting and other recycling programs to make a bigger impact.

Hire a Home Organizer

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter at home? If the mess is too much for you to handle alone, it might be time to get some help. Consider hiring a home organizer.

For virtual assistance, check out our RECYCLE page. The Home Upcycle can guide you through your organizing project, providing a personalized plan to declutter and organize your space in an eco-friendly way.